A defence official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of official operations, from transport use to communication habits.
